Features Writer – The Press and Journal (Scotland)

At DC Thomson we are a business with a purpose – to make a positive impact on the communities we serve.

We are home to some of the world’s best loved media brands, organised around local news and radio, companionship, kids, advocacy, energy, puzzles, and hobbies.

The Press & Journal, The Courier, The Sunday Post, Beano, Stylist, Puzzler, The People’s Friend, My Weekly, Pure Radio, bunkered, Energy Voice, Findmypast and Brightsolid are just some of the brands you might know us for.

Deeply rooted in our communities, we are investing in data, technology, and talent to unlock a new level of understanding about what really matters to our customers. This is how we are shaping the future of media.

We’re changing the way we work to create a flexible, collaborative, learning-led culture that draws on expertise from across the organisation to create award-winning content and cultural moments that make audiences want to be part of our communities.

Our HQ is in Dundee and we have bases around the UK employing over 1,200 extraordinarily creative colleagues working in a mix of office/home/hybrid. They’re passionate about being part of the story of so many well-loved brands and they’re crucial to our ambitions for the company.

We’re looking for the best people to join us at DC Thomson, to share their energy, ideas and skills and be part of our story.

Why join us now?

DC Thomson is on an exciting transformation journey to growth. Our brands matter to people and we are passionate about sustaining meaningful relationships with the communities these brands serve.

Focused on creating brilliant content and experiences that inspire our audiences and communities.

The Opportunity

The Press & Journal, one of the UK’s leading regional news brands, is looking for a features writer to join its award-winning editorial team.

We are looking for a dynamic, creative, and tenacious journalist, brimming with ideas and capable of delivering compelling, engaging features for our readership, across print and online. You will be a highly adaptable writer, who is as comfortable interviewing famous faces as getting to the heart of a human-interest story.

An enthusiastic, self-starting storyteller, the successful candidate will work across The Press & Journal title and its lifestyle supplement Your Life.

Experience of working on regional newspapers or magazines is preferred.

We adhere to the hybrid working model. As part of this, you will be required to work two days a week in the office.

Skills and experience requirements:

A proven track record of producing original features across a wide range of subjects for national or regional newspapers or magazines.
A flair for writing and an experienced interviewer capable of sourcing strong case studies.
A features sensibility coupled with a keen news sense.
Adaptable and flexible approach to work.
Someone who lives within our community, or who has knowledge and understanding of our local area and the issues concerning our readers, would be an advantage.
Experience in multi-tasking and turning copy around quickly and to a high standard.
Collaborative team worker.
SEO and social media experience is preferred.
Resilient, self-motivated, resourceful.
Strong attention to detail.
An ability to interpret instructions, prioritise tasks and work to strict deadlines and style guides.
An understanding of media law and industry ethical guidelines.

To apply for this role, please follow our online application process and submit a CV and cover letter.

This is a full-time position working 35 hours per week from our Aberdeen or Inverness Office. We offer a generous package including 34 days holiday, Health Cash Plan, Gym Discount, excellent Pension, a competitive salary, and many more staff discounts and benefits.

We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from everyone and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or any other protected characteristics.

What to expect from the recruitment experience

As we move through the recruitment process, we want to get to know you, as well as help you understand the team, where we are going and how you can play a part in our future a little better.

Following an initial screening process, if you are selected to move to interview, we will introduce you to the hiring panel over email and make sure you’re clear on the outcomes of your time with them, as well as timelines for hearing any next steps.

We will also share any helpful feedback we can with you, so whether it’s the right role or not this time around, we can help each other grow.

To make sure you are supported to be at your best through the process, please let us know if there is anything we can do to support your application or make adjustments along the way.

Any questions?

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early once we have received suitable applications. Therefore, please ensure you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.